FMHAPR Director of Information Rhoda Ishaku Iliya Bows Out After Decades of Meritorious Service

Emmanuel Daudu

The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction has honoured its Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Rhoda Ishaku Iliya, who officially retired yesterday after a distinguished and impactful career in the civil service.

At a sent-forth ceremony held in her honour, Mrs. Iliya reflected on her journey in civil service, describing it as one built on passion, commitment, and a deep sense of responsibility. She shared heartfelt words of encouragement for younger professionals, urging them to prioritise excellence and integrity over financial gain.

“It’s not all about the money. Money should not come first. Hard work and dedication will attract money to you,” she said.

Colleagues and staff of the ministry took turns to extol her leadership and character, praising her hard work, resilience, elegance, and unwavering professionalism. Many described her as a role model whose contributions significantly shaped the ministry’s public communication structure.

The Permanent Secretary, OluBunmi Olusanya, also delivered a glowing tribute. Despite having known her for only a short period, he commended Mrs. Iliya’s humility, work ethic, and dedication to service.

He assured the retiree that the doors of the ministry would remain open to her, acknowledging the positive legacy she leaves behind.

Dubai Intl. Conference: UNESCO Laureate Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu invited as Keynote Speaker

According to the letter that was written to The First African UNESCO Laureate Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu as stated below

Dear Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu Bashiru Aremu,
Greetings from ISTASET-2026!

On Behalf of InovSciTech, we are Pleased to invite you as an Organizing Committee Member and Keynote Speaker for the “9th International Conference on Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (ISTASET-2026), which will be held on October 15-16, 2026, in Dubai, UAE.

We feel delighted with your achievements in “Applied Science, Engineering and Technology” as this colloquium will foster interactive sessions amongst field experts, plenary sessions, keynotes sessions through eminent speech-makers, poster presentations by young researchers, workshop by renowned orators, and symposia.

To know more about Conference https://inovscitechconferences.com/2026/dubai/appsciengtech/

We sincerely hope that you will honor us by accepting our invitation to join us at Dubai, UAE.

Thanks & Regards
Noel Evans
ISTASET-2026
Conference Manager

Prof. Aremu is expected to make valuable contributions across all scientific sessions, networking events, and hospitality gatherings.

Who Is Prof. Sir Bashiru Aremu?
A distinguished Nigerian scholar in computer science and information technology, Prof. Aremu has garnered international acclaim, notably as the First African UNESCO Laureate, a distinction formally recognised by UNESCO’s Central & South America Centre (Reg. Arg. 22/LT‑19; ISBN 978‑1571‑7412‑6). His accolades include the Global Golden Medaland Certificate from UNESCO for outstanding achievements in education, creativity, and intellectual innovation

Founding Member Board of Trustees and Pioneer Dean Faculty of Science and Computing of Minaret University Ikirun Nigeria
Chairman, Board of Trustees, Kings & Queens Medical University College, Ghana

Chairman, Accreditation Panels at Nigerian universities

Chairman, World Accreditation Commission, USA (affiliate of UNESCO)

Chief Patron, Unity of Nations Action for Climate Change Council (UNACCC)

Founding Trustee and Professor at Minaret University, Ikirun, Nigeria

Prof. Aremu continues to champion global education quality and intellectual partnerships across multiple continents.

Reaction and Outlook
Upon receiving the invitation, Prof. Aremu conveyed his deepest gratitude to the organisers and pledged to uphold his commitment to advancing global higher education:

“I deeply appreciate this recognition and the opportunity to engage with researchers and thought leaders worldwide. I remain dedicated to promoting quality assurance and international collaboration in education and scientific research

Nigerian Teen Breaks Record in $400,000 Global Science Challenge

Maryam Aminu

A Nigerian teenager, Daniel Adeluyi, has achieved a historic milestone by reaching the semi-finals of the 2025 Breakthrough Junior Challenge, a globally renowned science competition for young innovators. Daniel is the first Nigerian to reach this stage in the competition’s 11-year history, standing out among thousands of entries from around the world.

The 16-year-old impressed judges with a creative two-minute video explaining the concept of wormholes in a clear and engaging manner. He said the topic reflects his belief in pushing boundaries and exploring ideas that once seemed impossible, adding that his interest in physics, space, and storytelling made the challenge a perfect fit.

The competition offers prizes worth $400,000, including a $250,000 university scholarship for the winner, $50,000 for the teacher, and a $100,000 high-tech science laboratory for the school. Daniel is now seeking public support as audience engagement will play a key role in determining which semi-finalist advances to the final round.

Beyond academics, Daniel is known for his leadership and creativity. He previously served as Assistant Head Boy at Brickhall School, Abuja, where he earned the Chairman’s Award for Academic Excellence. He captains his estate’s U18 football team, plays basketball, and taught himself to play the keyboard, composing several original pieces.

He also founded BRAINS (Building Real-world Artificial Intelligence and Next-generation Skills), a youth initiative that exposes children to artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Through the programme, he hopes to inspire confidence and curiosity in younger learners.

Daniel credits his communication abilities to years of watching educational documentaries and reading scientific classics, including Stephen Hawking’s A Brief History of Time. Since 2021, he has volunteered in the media unit of his church, The Capital Assembly, gaining valuable experience in storytelling and content creation skills that helped shape his acclaimed competition video.

As voting begins, Daniel is urging Nigerians across the world to support him by liking his video on the Breakthrough Prize YouTube and Facebook pages, noting that the entry with the highest combined engagement is guaranteed a place in the finals.

Voting links:
YouTube: https://youtu.be/DysdmiVLAug?si=TuQJYGyN5xEvFdEM
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1MCbmBZscZ/

Borno Police Rescue Two Kidnapped Children in Jere

Maryam Aminu

The Borno State Police Command has rescued two kidnapped boys, aged four and five, during an overnight operation in Jere Local Government Area.

Police launched an investigation on December 4 after receiving a report that three children had gone missing in the Jan Block area. Later that day, one of the boys was dropped at his family’s doorstep with a note demanding ₦10 million for the release of the remaining two.

Acting on intelligence, operatives from the Jere Division laid an ambush at the agreed ransom collection point in the early hours of Friday. At about 3 a.m., the kidnappers, sensing police presence, abandoned the two boys and fled into the darkness. Officers were unable to apprehend the suspects due to poor visibility, but the children were rescued unharmed and have been reunited with their family.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, has ordered a discreet investigation to track down the fleeing suspects and directed all tactical units to intensify patrols, stop-and-search operations, and visibility policing across the state.

Residents were urged to remain alert and report suspicious movements to security agencies. Emergency hotlines remain active at 0806 807 5581 and 0802 347 3293.

IED Blast Kills Four Children in Borno, One Injured

Maryam Aminu

A tragic explosion has claimed the lives of four children in Banki, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated behind the Banki Motor Park on Friday.

The incident occurred around 12:40 p.m., and was reported shortly after by a resident, Babagana Mohammed. Police officers and Explosive Ordnance Disposal experts rushed to the scene and cordoned off the area.

Preliminary investigations revealed that five boys had been playing in a makeshift room near the motor park when the device allegedly picked from the bush exploded. Twelve-year-old Mustapha Tijja survived with serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at the FHI 360 NGO Clinic.

The four boys who died from the blast were identified as 15-year-old Awana Mustapha, 14-year-old Malum Modu, and two 12-year-olds, Lawan Ibrahim and Modu Abacha.

The Borno State Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families and warned residents, particularly children, to stay away from strange objects and immediately report suspicious items to security agencies.

Police say normalcy has been restored, and investigations are ongoing. Emergency hotlines remain active for public reports: 0806 807 5581 and 0802 347 3293.

OPHK Commander Reaffirms Support for NYSC in Borno, Assures Continued Protection of Corps Members

Maryam Aminu

The Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has assured the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) of sustained support and security collaboration to enable the scheme fully achieve its mandate in Borno State.

He gave the assurance on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the Borno State NYSC Coordinator, Mallam Nasir Bello, and his management team to OPHK Headquarters in Maiduguri.

Major General Abubakar highlighted the vital role of the NYSC in nation-building and commended the strong partnership between the military and the scheme. He noted that the successful reopening of NYSC orientation camps in Borno reflects the significant progress made in restoring peace and normalcy in the state.

He pledged continued assistance, emphasizing that the safety and welfare of corps members remain a top priority especially ahead of the upcoming local government elections.

In his remarks, Bello praised OPHK for its unwavering support, explaining that his visit was to formally introduce himself following his assumption of office in April 2025 and to reaffirm the active presence of NYSC in the state.

He recalled that the scheme once suspended operations in Borno due to insurgency but has now fully returned, thanks to improved security.

Describing the NYSC as a “baby of the Nigerian Army,” Bello appealed for sustained cooperation in safeguarding corps members as they carry out their national duties.

The visit featured the signing of the visitors’ register, exchange of souvenirs, and a commemorative group photograph.

OPHK Commander Salutes Outgoing UN OCHA Chief, Warns of Humanitarian Gaps Ahead

Maryam Aminu

The Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has praised the outgoing Head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) in Nigeria, Mr. Trond Jensen, for his outstanding service and partnership as he prepares to exit the country.

Mr. Jensen paid a farewell visit to the OPHK Headquarters in Maiduguri on Thursday, where Major General Abubakar described him as a “dependable ally” in efforts to restore normalcy and rebuild socio-economic life in the North East.

The Commander highlighted the significant impact of OPHK’s collaboration with UN OCHA, especially in non-kinetic operations supporting vulnerable populations. He, however, raised concerns over UN OCHA’s planned drawdown by 2028, warning that reduced operations could hinder malnutrition interventions, vaccination drives, and other essential humanitarian services. He called for proactive steps to fill the looming gaps.

Maj.-Gen. Abubakar reaffirmed OPHK’s commitment to providing a safe operational environment for humanitarian partners and assured that the Command would extend full cooperation to Mr. Jensen’s successor.

In his remarks, Mr. Jensen thanked the Theatre Commander for the strong collaboration, noting that the UN’s planned scale-down is driven by declining global funding rather than improved conditions.

He urged Nigeria to strengthen local capacity and maintain security support for critical humanitarian installations.

Mr. Jensen was accompanied by Mr. Emmanuel Oluwadunsun Ojo, Humanitarian Affairs Officer and Civil-Military Coordinator, OCHA Nigeria. Senior OPHK officers, including the Deputy Theatre Commander and Component Commanders, were also in attendance.

The visit featured signing of the visitors’ book, presentation of souvenirs, and group photographs.

FRC, House Committee Unveil Policy Paper to Strengthen Governance, Fiscal Transparency in Petroleum Sector

Maryam Aminu

The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) and the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream) have jointly unveiled a new Policy Paper aimed at strengthening good governance, fiscal discipline, and accountability in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.

In a statement signed and made available to journalists on Monday in Abuja, Bede Ogueri Anyanwu, Head of the Strategic Communications Directorate of the FRC, said the document was presented at a high-level Legislative Stakeholders’ Workshop convened to address transparency gaps and deepen oversight in the country’s most critical revenue-generating industry.

FRC Executive Chairman, Victor Muruako, described the policy paper as a “timely and significant milestone” in national efforts to entrench accountability across the oil and gas value chain. He commended the strong participation of lawmakers, regulators, and sector experts, noting that the initiative aligns with the Commission’s mandate under the Fiscal Responsibility Act (2007).

Muruako also applauded the Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Rt. Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, OON, whose remarks were delivered by Hon. Kalifat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs. He said Doguwa’s consistent commitment to legislative reforms has strengthened sector governance and enhanced fiscal oversight.

A key highlight of the workshop was the formal presentation of the Policy Brief an outcome of extensive research into the 10th National Assembly’s legislative interventions in the upstream petroleum sector. The document reviews existing laws, institutional structures, and oversight mechanisms, and identifies governance gaps that continue to impede fiscal transparency.

The Policy Paper proposes targeted reforms, enhanced reporting standards, deeper legislative oversight, and strengthened revenue accountability. It further outlines strategies to curb leakages, safeguard oil earnings, and ensure equitable distribution of petroleum revenues to support national development.

Stakeholders at the event described the document as a strategic tool capable of aligning Nigeria’s petroleum governance practices with global standards.

While acknowledging the gains of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and ongoing reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, Muruako stressed the need for coordinated solutions to persistent sector challenges, including oil theft, pipeline vandalism, insecurity, and the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.

Delivering Doguwa’s message, Hon. Ogbara reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to strengthening the FRC to fully execute its mandate. She emphasized that the upstream sector remains central to national planning and investor confidence, noting that collaboration among institutions is essential to closing leakages and protecting Nigeria’s economic interests.

Ogbara also highlighted the Committee’s ongoing work on the Bill for an Act to Establish the National Commission for the Decommissioning of Oil and Gas Installations an initiative expected to address aging infrastructure, safety concerns, and environmental remediation.

The workshop attracted lawmakers, regulators, and industry experts, including representatives of RMAFC, NEITI, the Oil & Gas Free Zone Authority, and senior officials of the FRC.

Muruako urged participants to offer practical, solution-driven recommendations, stressing that Nigeria must manage its petroleum resources in the most fiscally responsible manner for the benefit of all citizens.

Against All Odds: Celebrating Nigeria’s Security Frontliners

Maryam Aminu

In a nation grappling with persistent security challenges, Nigeria’s security operatives continue to display remarkable courage and resilience, often under difficult and dangerous conditions. From the battlefields of the North-East to anti-banditry operations in the North-West and North-Central, as well as efforts to curb kidnapping, cybercrime, urban violence and separatist threats, these personnel form the backbone of the country’s stability.

In recognition of these sacrifices, the maiden RazorNews Inter-Agency Cooperation Awards is set to honour 27 outstanding individuals and institutions who have demonstrated exceptional professionalism, collaboration and dedication to national security. The event holds on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, with the theme: “Inter-Agency Unity: The Power of Collective Action.”

Despite the daily realities of insecurity, there are indications that Nigeria’s security architecture is responding with greater synergy, improved intelligence sharing and better operational coordination. This renewed approach, according to analysts, has contributed to several recent breakthroughs, including reclaiming insurgent-held territories, intercepting arms shipments and recording increased surrenders from terror groups.

Publisher of RazorNews, Sunday Odita, explained that the award was conceived as part of journalism’s responsibility to spotlight excellence and strengthen national conversations around unity in security operations. He stressed that no single agency can tackle the complexities of Nigeria’s security landscape alone, underscoring the urgent need for deeper inter-agency collaboration.

He further disclosed that the ceremony would feature a lecture on “Institutional Collaboration as a Tool for Counter-Terrorism and Crime,” with the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, serving as Special Guest of Honour. Dr. Bone Chinye Efoziem will deliver the lecture, while ACC John Attah Onoja is expected to present the keynote address. The unveiling of Diary of a Silent Reformer: IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun will also form part of the programme lineup.

Ahead of the event, organisers announced that the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, would be celebrated as the Champion of National Stability and Intelligence Coordination. They added that Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu had been selected as the Best Security Supportive Politician of the Year, while the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, emerged as the Best Security Supportive Governor. Dr. Bone Chinye Efoziem is also billed to receive recognition as the Security Supportive Chief Executive of the Year.

The organisers noted that the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, would be honoured for leading the service’s outstanding performance in illicit arms and drug recovery, while the Nigerian Army had been chosen as the Outstanding Defence Force of the Year. They also revealed that Nigerian Police Pension Limited would receive the Distinguished Service Award in Police Welfare and Pension Reform.

They confirmed that NDLEA’s Edo State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, would be recognised for bravery in service, just as veteran crime journalist, Emma Nnadozie, would be honoured for excellence in security journalism. Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun will be presented with a Lifetime Award of Integrity and Excellence in Leadership, while Mrs. Buduka Johnson of Epss Private Security Services will receive the Excellence Award in Private Security. The organisers also announced that AIG Chinedu Oko would be honoured with the Leadership and Integrity Award.

Furthermore, they revealed that Juliet Ohahuru-Obiora had been selected as the Online Violence Protection Advocate of the Year, while the Controller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, would receive the Lifetime Achievement Award in Correctional Service. According to them, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, would be recognised as Agency Head of the Year, and ACI A. S. Akinlabi of the Nigeria Immigration Service would receive the Agency Spokesman of the Year Award. In the same vein, they announced that the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, would receive the Lifetime Achievement Award in National Infrastructure Protection.

They further stated that the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, would be honoured as the Traffic Management CEO of the Year, while UBA had emerged as the Most Cyber Security Conscious Bank of the Year. According to the organisers, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, will be recognised as the Best CP in Anti-Crime, while his Anambra State counterpart, Ikioye Livingston Orutugu, will receive the award for Best CP in Community Policing. They added that Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Dapo Afeni, would be honoured with the Award of Dedication and Professional Excellence.

In addition, they announced that Raymond Dokpesi Jnr. would be recognised for Outstanding Media Support for National Security, while the Nigeria Customs Service PTML Command had been selected as the Outstanding Customs Command of the Year. They also confirmed that Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, would receive the Security Supportive Personality of the Year Award, while the Newmark Group would be honoured with the Strategic Communication Impact Award.

While Nigeria continues to record security gains across several theatres of operation, the human cost remains profound. Many officers have paid the ultimate price, and countless others continue to put themselves in harm’s way daily. The organisers emphasised that the awards serve as a sobering reminder that the relative stability enjoyed in many parts of the country rests on sacrifice, dedication and unity across security agencies.

They noted that contemporary threats such as terrorism, cybercrime, arms trafficking, financial crimes and human trafficking are interconnected, making collaboration among agencies not just beneficial but essential. The 2025 honourees, they said, symbolise this collective strength and demonstrate that the country’s security progress depends on sustained cooperation and shared commitment.

RazorNews believes that by celebrating these heroes, the nation is reminded that its security future rests on the strength of unity, professionalism and unwavering patriotism.

FRC Pushes for Stronger Fiscal Discipline in Anambra Local Governments

The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) has urged Local Government Councils in Anambra State to deepen fiscal discipline and strengthen public finance management practices in order to enhance transparency, accountability, and effective service delivery.

The call was made during a capacity-building workshop on the Local Government Accountability Framework, held at Hilton Leisure Resort, Awka. The event drew senior local government officials including finance and accounts officers planning personnel, development partners, and representatives of key oversight and anti-corruption bodies such as the ICPC, Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), and ROLAC, with IDEA as sponsors. The ICPC Resident Commissioner for Anambra State was also in attendance.

Speaking for the Commission, Ado Hassan, Deputy Director of the Policy and Standards Directorate, stressed the urgent need for councils to embed fiscal responsibility principles across all stages of the budget cycle. He noted that compliance begins with the preparation of a credible Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), followed by annual budgeting, implementation, monitoring, and timely publication of Approved Audited Financial Statements.

Hassan described the MTEF as the “bedrock of credible public financial planning,” emphasizing that strict adherence ensures realistic and strategic budgeting aligned with broader developmental goals.

He added that without transparent implementation and thorough auditing, the true impact of public expenditure cannot be properly assessed.

The Commission warned that strengthening accountability at the local government level remains critical to restoring public trust and ensuring that resources earmarked for community development are used judiciously. With citizens increasingly demanding openness in the use of public funds, the FRC encouraged councils to tighten internal controls, adopt transparent procurement procedures, and improve the quality and credibility of their financial reporting.

Hassan reiterated the Commission’s commitment to supporting sub-national governments through continuous training, provision of guidelines, monitoring tools, and early-warning systems designed to boost compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act and national financial management standards.

Participants described the training as timely, noting its importance as local governments prepare for a new fiscal planning cycle. They agreed that improved transparency and accountability would significantly enhance service delivery and deepen collaboration with development partners and civil society organizations.

The workshop covered key topics including MTEF preparation, budget formulation and credibility, cash management, expenditure control, value-for-money procurement, internal audit processes, audited financial statement publication, and citizen participation in oversight.

The FRC maintained that entrenching fiscal responsibility at the grassroots is vital to achieving Nigeria’s broader development aspirations. It reaffirmed its readiness to continue working with state governments, local councils, and oversight institutions to promote sound public financial governance nationwide.

The Awka engagement marks another milestone in the Commission’s sustained nationwide drive to reinforce fiscal discipline and ensure that public resources deliver meaningful benefits to citizens.